"I came mostly because I found myself really unprepared for the thought of someone possibly attacking me and I think that I am mostly afraid that, if someone did, my fear would paralyze me and so I wanted to feel like I have some strategies to fight back if I needed to," Erin Morgan said.

The seminar was organized by several women who live in the neighborhood who reached out to former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce, another resident who owns local security company Trident Response Group.

"Being aware of your surroundings is the No. 1 thing," said Trident safety instructor Tamara Shelley. "We have a brain; let's use it that the best tool we've ever been given. And we can use it. Just be alert and aware of what's going on around you, who's around you, what things are going on in your surroundings."

Trident is hosting another safety seminar at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 10110 Shoreview Road from 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.